Hands up who made a scarf as their first knitting project? Us too! But scarves aren't just for beginners. Whatever your skill level, they're a great way to try out new stitch patterns or show off special skeins of yarn, so for this article we've rounded up some of our favourite free scarf knitting patterns. You'll also find shawls, snoods, cowls and more – neckwarmers of all sorts, in fact!
If you've discovered a free scarf knitting pattern you love and want a hat to go with it, check out our round-up of the best hat knitting patterns. We also have lots more knitting patterns to inspire you, plus how to knit guides to help you on your way.
Ready to get cosy with our top free scarf knitting patterns? Then let's cast on…
Try these free scarf knitting patterns today
Discover these brilliant free scarf knitting patterns from the UK with you, brought to you from Simply Knitting and The Knitter magazines
- Colour block scarf pattern
- Easy lace scarf knitting pattern
- Moss stitch scarf knitting pattern
- Free lace snood knitting pattern
- Free men's scarf knitting pattern
- Free lace scarf knitting pattern
- Free shawl knitting pattern
- Garter stitch cowl
- Double knitting cowl
- Free hat and cowl set knitting pattern
- Chunky knit cowl pattern
- Cowl knitting pattern
- Scarf with pockets knitting pattern
- Colour pop kids' scarf
- Mohair snood
- Big and beautiful scarf
- Textured shawl
Colour block scarf
Use Mollie Makes' free scarf knitting pattern to make yourself a winter warmer. We love its on-trend colour-block style and textured moss stitch pattern.
How to knit a Colour Block scarf
Thrifty alpaca scarf
Making an alpaca scarf sounds expensive, but Kirstie McLeod has designed this one to use just a single ball of yarn. “It’s a luxury yarn,” Kirstie says, “but you’ll find scarves on the high street costing more to buy than this does to make, and they won’t be made of British-grown pure alpaca!”
Cast on our easy lace scarf knitting pattern.
Moss stitch scarf knitting pattern
We love the cosy chunky finish moss stitch brings to a scarf knitting patterns, and it is super easy to work, too! Check out more moss stitch with our moss stitch guide to learn the basics, of practice your stitch patterns with this brilliant free knitted scarf pattern.
Find our free moss stitch scarf knitting pattern
Luxury lacy snood
This lacy snood is a perfect stash-busting project and great for last-minute gifts too, as it uses just one ball of 4ply yarn.
Try this free lace snood knitting pattern.
Easy directional stripes scarf
This free scarf knitting pattern uses the unique characteristics of self-striping yarn to create a scarf with directional blocks. It's made by knitting a narrow centre panel and then adding long strips along the sides, and finishing with small strips at each narrow end.
Get the free men's scarf knitting pattern.
Dainty lace chevron scarf
This airy chevron lace scarf by Rosee Woodland is so versatile: long, light and delicate, it’s perfect for adding a subtle layer of warmth to any outfit.
Cast on this free lace scarf knitting pattern.
Beginner's lace shawl
If the thought of tackling a complex lace pattern in a fine yarn puts you off knitting shawls, try this one by Kirstie McLeod. This shawl uses classic construction techniques, but is worked in DK yarn for an easier knit and a thicker, warmer garment at the end.
Try our free shawl knitting pattern.
Easy-peasy garter stitch cowl
For a super quick and easy project that will keep you toasty on cold days, this gorgeous cowl by Jo Allport is the perfect accessory.
Make the garter stitch cowl.
Cosy cowl and hat set
How snuggly do this matching hat and cowl look? Grab your favourite jumbo yarn and whip up this super-chunky cowl in a weekend!
Get the free hat and cowl set knitting pattern.
Super-sized cowl pattern
If you're looking for a last-minute knitted gift, look no further than this bulky cowl. It knits up in a flash to add instant slouch-appeal to any outfit.
Make the chunky knit cowl pattern.
Tartan cowl knitting pattern
Keep out the chill in cold weather with this stylish Fair Isle cowl by Kirstie McLeod. We love its tartan-style stripes!
Make the cowl knitting pattern.
Scarf with cosy pockets
Keep your neck warm and your hands cosy by wearing a scarf with pockets! This chunky heart design would make a thoughtful gift for someone you love.
Get the scarf with pockets knitting pattern.
Double knit cowl
This one is not for beginners, or for the faint hearted! but if you want to master a new skill and create a super-cosy towel, use Jen Arnall-Culliford's tutorial and charts for working double knitting and stitch yourself a two-sided reversible cowl in just one pass of your knitting needles.
Find the How to work double knitting tutorial
Colour pop kids' scarf
Add their favourite shades to the the stripes and fringing of this fun kids' scarf, designed by Jenny Watson in West Yorkshire Spinners' Bo Peep Luxury Baby DK.
Get the Tickled scarf pattern from Lovecrafts
Mohair snood
Show off a delicate mohair yarn with this pretty snood from Woman's Weekly. This free scarf knitting pattern is quick to knit and suitable for beginners.
Get the Mohair Snood pattern from The Knitting Network.
Big and beautiful scarf
Give yourself a hug with this super-sized scarf from Novita. It's an easy and entertaining knit in their gorgeously soft Hygge Wool.
Get the Aino scarf pattern from Lovecrafts
Textured shawl
A playful mix of stitches makes this shawl a joy to knit. Learn some new knitting stitch patterns to boost your skills, and make a gorgeous accessory at the same time!
Get the Misty Meadow shawl pattern from The Knitting Network.
More accessory knitting patterns
Keep your hands toasty with our owl fingerless gloves knitting pattern, snowflake mittens and knitted wrist warmers, and your toes warm with a pair of fox slippers or our free slippers knitting pattern. Plus don't miss our collection of hats, including a speedy beanie knitting pattern and free bobble hat knitting pattern.
